Kathryn McGuire
Kathryn McGuire (
December 6,
1903 -
October 10,
1978) was an
American silent-film actress and
dancer.
Born in
Peoria, Illinois, she was said to be recognized by critics and fans alike as one of the rising stars in film. Selected one of the
WAMPAS Baby Stars in
1922, she came from a family who had never had a member partake in the acting profession before.
At an early age, Kathryn's family moved to
Aurora, Illinois and then to
Chicago. Kathryn received her education from the Jennings Seminary in Aurora, and remained there even after her parents left that city. By the time she graduated at about the age of fourteen, her parents were ready to move to
California.
Kathryn was highly interested in dancing, and took classes under the leading ballet masters when she arrived in California. Even after her film career kicked off and she became deeply interested in this new employment, she continued to keep up her dancing.
While studying at the
Hollywood High School, as well as her dancing, she participated in a program exhibition at the
Maryland Hotel in
Pasadena. Among the spectators was
Thomas H. Ince, who immediately offered Kathryn a solo number in a production he was making. Her dancing skills led her not only to find jobs at Ince, but also at
Universal and
Mack Sennett. It was Sennett who realized that Kathryn had genuine acting capabilities along the lines of her talent for dance after she performed a number in a comedy being produced by Sennett.
Her first serious role came as the
only girl in "The Silent Call". She is probably best remembered today for the parts of The Girl and Betsy O'Brien, alongside
Buster Keaton, in "
Sherlock Jr." and
The Navigator respectively." She also starred with
Gladys Walton as a second lead in "Playing with Fire" for Universal, as well as in "The Lass o' Lowries" with
Priscilla Dean. By 1930, however, her film career had ended.
Kathryn married George Landy and their marriage ended in
1955 upon his death.
Kathryn McGuire died of cancer in
1978 in
Los Angeles, California.
